GTA Online, the multiplayer component of GTA 5 launched October 1, 2013. GTA Online was free to play for everyone who purchased a copy of GTA 5. GTA Online was enabled by a software download patch.

GTA Online World

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GTA Online is a dynamic and persistent online world for sixteen players. The game will let you and friends team up to tackle missions, activities, and ambient events, as well as competing with others in more traditional game modes.

The events of GTA Online take place before the events of GTA 5. Certain characters from the single-player campaign hold a prominent place in the GTA Online story and universe.

GTA Online contains an enormous number of interactive activities. Players will be able to take part in a scripted Story Mode, and step in and out at will to engage in interactive and multiplayer encounters.

Players in GTA Online will rank up by completing various Jobs. Getting kills while on a mission will also yield small amounts of RP. As players accumulate points, they will begin to level up.

As you level up, players will begin unlocking more customization options available at the different stores found online. New weapons will become available also, allowing you to better outfit yourself for harder missions you may also obtain.

Players will be able to form Crews with other online players. Crews allow members to collaborate on crimes and activities and increase Reputation more efficiently.

Dynamic Events

Dynamic Events will occur across San Andreas in GTA Online. Among these are Crate Drops, supply crates full of wealth which drop from the sky and may be claimed or battled over by passersby. Armored Cars and stores will be available to rob, and some cars may be stolen for cash.

In a post on Rockstar Newswire, Rockstar explained that “if you’re the completely instant gratification type, you can choose to buy denominations of GTA$. You will have the option to purchase GTA$ through the in-game Store. The game and its economy have been designed and balanced for the vast majority of players who will not buy extra cash. There is no in-game paywall and nothing that should disrupt the balance of the game. You don’t have to spend real money to attain the cars, guns, clothes, flash and style of a high-roller in Los Santos, but can if you wish to get them a little quicker.”

Rockstar added that “the economy is balanced differently from the single player economy, and cash earned in one cannot be taken over to the other. Most players will earn cash much faster Online than in Story Mode.” It also explained GTA Online's Reputation system, noting "Reputation is earned from all your online exploits in everything you do in GTA Online – and will help you rank up, providing access to new features, weapons and criminal contacts. Spend cash you’ve gained on cars, clothes, guns, properties and much more. You can either quickly accumulate cash through profitable activities like knocking over armored cars, winning street races, doing stick-ups or a host of other cash-making endeavors."